After four straight wins it was Cup action for Greshams on Sunday as they took on Coldham for a place in the Quarter Finals, a potentially rare incursion into the later rounds of the Cup. There were a few changes to the line up this week as Rob and Steve Burton replaced Tom and Froudy while at right back Beardo was replaced by the debutant Dan Mehmed. The team therefore lined up with Rob in goals; a back four of Dan, Steve Hamblin, Cookie and Cash; in midfield Rob, Sam, Matt and Richard Hunn with Steve and Steve up front. On the bench was Josh accompanied by his WAG, together with Snelly.
Sometimes slow starters, this week Greshams were straight into their rhythm, having all the early possession and barely allowing Coldham out of their own half. A couple of early chances had already come and gone when Greshams took an early lead. Some good interplay between the strikers saw Burton pick out Norfolk in the box with a great little pass and Norfolk finished confidently across the keeper to put Greshams one up.
Greshams continued to press for the second but Coldham gradually found a foothold in the game, with the number 9 looking a threat whenever he ran at the Greshams defence. However there were few scares for Greshams, who were not looking vulnerable at set plays this week thanks to the height and heading ability of Dan Mehmed, who was attacking the ball at corners and making some great clearances.
From an attacking point of view Greshams were finding lots of joy down the flanks where Rich and Rob were being left in acres of space. However they were unable to create too many clear opportunities and the half ended with Greshams leading by just the one goal.
Half time: Greshams 1 Cobham Hall 1
The second half started with Greshams once again in control and an early chance to double their lead fell to Steve Burton, with Norfolk again the provider. However, the ball came across in the air and would not quite sit down for Steve, who got slightly under the ball and sent it over the bar.
Luckily Steve soon had another chance and this time managed to stick the ball firmly in the onion bag. It was Norfolk once again who provided the key pass and found Steve on the edge of the six yard box. Steve decided not to take it first time but instead knocked it round the defender before thumping it in to the bottom corner via a slight deflection. A deserved first of the season for a highly relieved Steve Burton.
As Greshams continued to press, they had a gilt edged chance to make the game safe. The normally reliable Richard Hunn found himself free in the box after some great passing work down the right. As he advanced on goal Richard was perhaps confused by the fact that the Keeper stayed rooted to his line. Whatever the reason, The Hunn produced a rather scuffed effort which was destined for the bottom corner but lacked power and the Keeper was able to get down and save.
Typically, just after a gilt edged chance for Greshams went begging, Coldham went straight down the field and scored themselves. It was a soft goal for Greshams to concede, as a long ball dropped over Dan's head creating a bit of confusion at the back. With Rob out of position, the ball broke on the edge of the box only to be cleared by the back pedalling Cookie. Unfortunately the ball once again fell to Coldham. Cashen rushed out to make to block but over committed himself as the Coldham player beat him to the ball and to be fair, found a pretty good finish that flew into the only part of the net that was unguarded by Rob or the defenders on the line.
This might have been a lifeline for Coldham who were now throwing numbers forward. However they were unable to make any pressure count and it was Greshams who scored the crucial next goal, and what a goal. The ball was worked upfield down the left and then knocked inside for Matt. Matt laid it off to the left to Richard Hunn and then made a great run into the box. Richard took on a couple of defenders and then showed great composure to wait for support and pick the perfect ball into Matt's path, and Matt simply lashed an unstoppable shot into the net for the goal of the game.
With the game now won, Greshams were able to give the academy some game time as Josh and Snelly replaced Steve and Steve. In his brief period on the pitch Snelly saw plenty of the ball down the right while the late introduction of Josh proved a master stroke as Greshams added a fourth as soon as Josh entered the field. In contrast to the third, this was a scrambled effort, with the ball ricocheting around in the area following a corner. Finally Sam stooped to head it home where it struck a Cobham player lying prone in the goalmouth and was deemed to have crossed the line.
So Greshams stride on to the Quarter finals, uncharted territory in recent seasons. The Chairman is hoping for a lucrative away tie when the draw is made live on Sky.
Final Score: Greshams 4 Cobham Hall 1
Man of the Match
After the heroics of last week, this was a more workmanlike performance from Greshams, in which everyone played their part, including a good debut at right back from Dan. It was once again difficult to choose a Man of the Match but a quick vote among those who stayed for a post match beer gave the award to Steve Norfolk and deservedly so. Not just a goal and an assist from the striker, but a strong all round example of forward play, holding up the ball and bringing people in to the game. Well played Steve, well deserved bottle of Dom Perignon to you.
